Aly & AJ

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Aly & AJ
Aly & AJ 2021 - Sennheiser Sessions.png
Aly & AJ performing in April 2021
Background information
Also known as78violet (2009–2015)
Origin Torrance, California, U.S
Genres
Years active2004–present
Labels
Members
Website alyandaj.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Aly & AJ is an American pop rock duo consisting of sisters Aly Michalka (born 1989) and AJ Michalka (born 1991) from Torrance, California. They signed with Hollywood Records and in 2005, they released their debut album Into the Rush. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and contained the singles "Rush" and "Chemicals React". They followed this release with the albums Acoustic Hearts of Winter (2006) and Insomniatic (2007). The latter contained the Platinum single "Potential Breakup Song", which was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

They departed from their record label in 2010 and briefly changed their name to 78violet, releasing the single "Hothouse" in 2013. Following a period of inactivity, the duo reverted to their original name and released the extended plays Ten Years (2017) and Sanctuary (2019) and the studio albums A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun (2021), and With Love From (2023).

History

2004–2006: Into the Rush and Acoustic Hearts of Winter

AJ Michalka in concert in August 2007 Amanda Joy (AJ) Michalka - September 2007.jpg
AJ Michalka in concert in August 2007

In 2004, when Aly was 15 years old and AJ was 13 years old, the duo signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records after an audition in which they performed six original acoustic guitar songs they had written. [4] Aly & AJ's debut studio album, Into the Rush , was released on August 16, 2005. It debuted at number 36 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in March 2006. The first single released from the album was the cover song "Do You Believe in Magic", originally recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful, which was used in the soundtrack of the made-for-TV Disney Channel original movie, Now You See It..., in which Aly had a starring role as Allyson Henlen. "Do You Believe in Magic" peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart. The album's second single, "No One", was featured in the Walt Disney Pictures feature film Ice Princess and its soundtrack. "Walking on Sunshine", a cover of the Katrina and the Waves song, and "Never Far Behind" were released as further singles. The latter appeared on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, peaking at number 28. [5] On February 28, 2006, the fifth single from the album, "Rush", written with Daniel James and Leah Haywood, was released. The song was their first to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 59. [5] "On the Ride" was released as the album's sixth single on March 7, 2006. It was featured in the Disney Channel Original Movie Cow Belles which starred Aly & AJ.

The sisters were involved in various Walt Disney Records projects. The "Aly & AJ Concert" took place on July 24, 2005, at the Henry Fonda theater in Hollywood, California. The aired concert was cut to five songs. The sisters opened for the Cheetah Girls in December 2005 on the Cheetah-licious Christmas Tour. Into the Rush was re-released in August 2006 with three new songs, including the single "Chemicals React" and new versions of "Collapsed" and "Something More". This version served as their first album release in the United Kingdom. "Chemicals React" peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. [5] On September 26, 2006, the sisters released their second studio album, Acoustic Hearts of Winter , which is composed of contemporary recordings of traditional Christmas music. The album debuted at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 19,000 copies in its first week. The album also charted the U.S. Billboard Top Holiday Albums, debuting at No. 14. [6] In late 2007, the album was reissued with three more Christmas songs.

2007–2008: Insomniatic

Aly Michalka in concert on June 21, 2008, in Valdosta, Georgia Alyson Michalka Paparazzo.jpg
Aly Michalka in concert on June 21, 2008, in Valdosta, Georgia

The duo's third studio album, Insomniatic , was released on July 10, 2007. The album peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200, selling over 39,000 copies in its first week and becoming Aly & AJ's highest debut to date. [7] The album features a more electropop, electronic rock and dance-pop influenced sound different from their debut, with the use of synthesizers, synth-rock guitars, vocoder and electronic instruments. The album was preceded by the lead single "Potential Breakup Song". "Potential Breakup Song" peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first top 20 single in the United States. [8] The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales surpassing 1 million copies.

In October 2007, both the single and the album were released in the United Kingdom; "Potential Breakup Song" reached a peak position of No. 22 in the United Kingdom and No. 16 in Ireland. Aly & AJ toured for a short while in the UK, opening for McFly twice and performing at several television shows and nightclubs. In the UK, "Potential Breakup Song" was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. [9] Time magazine named "Potential Breakup Song" one of the 10 Best Songs of 2007, ranking it at No. 9. Writer Josh Tyrangiel praised the authenticity of its having been written by the teenage sisters who sing it. [10] The single also charted in several other European countries, performing moderately in the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland.

In December 2007, for two weeks, the band was the opening act for Miley Cyrus's Best of Both Worlds Tour. [11] In early January 2008, Aly & AJ performed a cover of KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" on Yahoo's Pepsi Smash video site. The cover, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, was featured on the Japanese re-release of Insomniatic. In March 2008, "Like Whoa" was released as the second single from Insomniatic and peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. [12] The song was also used to promote the Disney Channel Original Movie Minutemen . That year, Aly & AJ covered the Grand Funk Railroad song "We're an American Band" for Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1 . [13]

2009–2016: Departure from Hollywood Records, 78violet

Aly & AJ live at the Bro Am concert in July 2013 Normal 1008813 10200945391010102 1787079618 o.jpg
Aly & AJ live at the Bro Am concert in July 2013

In early 2008, Aly & AJ were working on a fourth studio album under Hollywood Records which was due to be released in late 2009. [11] They mentioned in an interview with Radio Disney on April 23, 2008, that they were going for a "rockier" sound, and that this time they wanted to sing separately, not harmonizing their voices as they had on their previous albums, to let fans identify which Michalka sister was singing. In December 2008, the duo wrote a song (later confirmed to be titled "The Next Worst Thing") with Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo. [14]

On July 8, 2009, the duo changed their name to 78violet. They continued to work on their fourth Hollywood Records album, which was later completed, but its release was delayed numerous times. In May 2010, the duo announced that they had departed from the label, and the album was shelved. [15] [16] [17] [18] On November 30, 2010, the first song under the 78violet name was released on the Hellcats soundtrack EP. 78violet recorded the theme song to Hellcats, titled "Belong Here". Some of the titles being considered for 78violet's fourth album were 8 Hours and 53rd floor. [19] On May 2, 2013, Aly & AJ signed to Red Light Management. The single "Hothouse" was released on July 8, 2013. [16] The duo performed live for the first time in five years with a concert at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles on June 26. The group announced that they would be releasing an EP in early 2014, however, this never materialized. [20] The full Hothouse EP was leaked in its entirety in 2014; the duo released it on vinyl as Sanctuary: Vol. 1 in 2020 for first-year subscribers of their Sanctuary fan-club.[ citation needed ]

In December 2015, the sisters changed their band name back to Aly & AJ. [21] [22]

2017–2020: Return to music with EPs Ten Years and Sanctuary

"Take Me", a new single, served as the lead single from their EP Ten Years , and was released on August 17, 2017. [20] [23] The accompanying music video was released on September 14, 2017. The Ten Years EP was released on November 17, 2017. [24] Two tracks from the EP, "I Know" and "The Distance", were featured in season 4 of Aly's TV series iZombie . [25] [26] On June 15, 2018, the duo released the single "Good Love". [27] A deluxe version of Ten Years was released on November 30, 2018. [28]

On March 29, 2019, the pair released the single "Church" as the lead single from their second EP Sanctuary , released on May 10. [29] The EP was supported by a North American tour of the same name which began on May 1, 2019. [30] The duo released the singles "Attack of Panic" in February 2020, [31] and "Joan of Arc on the Dance Floor" in May. [32] In December 2020, songs from both Ten Years and Sanctuary, as well as the non-album singles, were later released onto a compilation album titled We Don't Stop. [33]

2020–Present: A Touch of the Beat..., and With Love From

Their fourth studio album, A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun , was released on May 7, 2021. [34] The album was preceded by the singles "Slow Dancing" on December 2, 2020, and "Listen!!!" in January 2021. [35] [36] Following the growing popularity of "Potential Breakup Song" on the social media app TikTok, Aly & AJ released two re-recorded versions of the song in December 2020: one with clean lyrics and an explicit version. [37] In July 2021, the duo performed at Lollapalooza for the first time. [4] [38] Following the re-recording of "Potential Breakup Song", the duo released re-recordings of their songs "Like Whoa" and "Chemicals React" in 2022, subtitled "(A&A Version)".[ citation needed ] In October 2022, they performed at Austin City Limits. [4] [39]

The duo's fifth studio album, With Love From , was released on March 15, 2023. [40] [41] [42] It was preceded by the title track as the lead single on November 2, 2022; [43] the second single "Baby Lay Your Head Down" on January 25, 2023; [42] and the third single "After Hours" on February 15. [44] Later that year, they released a Christmas music EP titled Lonesome Dove. [45]

Activism

The duo has used their platform for political advocacy, including support of LGBTQ+ rights, voter registration, Black Lives Matter, Planned Parenthood, and support for certain candidates in the Democratic Party.

In a post on Twitter in January 2017, the duo expressed support for Planned Parenthood. [46]

In 2019, the duo partnered with HeadCount, enabling voter registration at the duo's concerts. The duo also partnered with The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to youth suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ community. They also partnered with Project HEAL, a charity dedicated to increasing access to treatment for eating disorders. The duo donated signed merchandise and other memorabilia to raise funds for these causes. [47]

In April 2019, in an op-ed published in Paper magazine, the sisters revealed their struggles with depression and anxiety to raise awareness and remove stigma around mental health medication. The piece also highlighted the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth. [48] In February 2020, the duo released single "Attack of Panic", which dealt with themes of anxiety and panic attacks. [49]

In May 2020, they released a music video for their single "Joan of Arc on the Dance Floor", directed by Aly and her husband, Stephen Ringer, that featured clips of Republican members of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary who were responsible for the 2018 Supreme Court confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh after sexual assault allegations against him. The video's credits thank his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, and Anita Hill, who accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment in 1991 prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. [50]

Also in May 2020, the duo expressed support for Black Lives Matter in a post on Twitter. [51]

In June 2020, the duo hosted an all-night fundraising live stream, "Up All Night with Aly & AJ", which included a full live concert, acoustic performances, reactions to their earlier work and conversations with friends and collaborators, promoting donations to charities via Propeller.la. The stream raised US$30,000 for 13 charities, featuring one every hour: Color of Change, Frontline Foods, National Independent Venue Association's Save our Stages, Project HEAL, Women's History Museum, The Art of Elysium, The Trevor Project, Nalleli Cobo, GLAAD, Sierra Club, MusiCares, The Beauty Bus Foundation, and the Red Cross. [52] [53] [54]

In October 2020, the pair participated in canvassing events for Senate candidate Amy McGrath [55] and in January 2021, they supported Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia. [56] They also supported Joe Biden in the general election of the 2020 United States presidential election. [57]

In summer 2021, via Propeller.la, the duo offered a chance for a fan who supported their causes to meet them. [58]

Other work

Acting

The duo have both pursued separate acting careers outside of their music, as well as having starred in some joint projects. Most notably, the pair starred as sisters in the 2006 Disney Channel Original movie Cow Belles , with "On the Ride" from their debut album Into The Rush serving as the movie's theme song. The sisters also starred in a Disney Channel television pilot Haversham Hall, although the show was not picked up for series. [59] In 2015, the pair starred together in Weepah Way for Now , an independent comedy-drama film which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. The film was produced by the duo and written & directed by Aly's husband Stephen Ringer. The pair played sisters again in the movie, with the characters loosely based on their own personalities and relationship. [60] They were featured in the March 7, 2022, episode "Yippee Ki-Yay" of The Good Doctor as a fractured sister act.[ citation needed ]

Branded merchandise

In 2007, Huckleberry Toys released Limited Edition Hello Kitty Aly & AJ dolls to selected Target and Toys "R" Us stores. [61]

Also in 2007, Frame Studios released The Aly & AJ Adventure game for the Nintendo DS. In the game, the player plays as their assistant, who helps them record songs and direct a music video. [62]

In June 2008, the duo released paperback adventure books called Aly & AJ's Rock 'n' Roll Mysteries, each part describing Aly & AJ on tour, every book describing a mystery in a different city. The drawings in the books were done by Aly. The first two, First Stop, New York and Mayhem in Miami, were released on June 12, the third, Singing in Seattle, was released on September 2, and the last, Nashville Nights, went to stores on October 4, 2008. [63]

Performance Designed Products released Aly & AJ-designed guitars on November 10, 2008. Aly's guitar features a heart-and-crossbones print in pink (PlayStation 2) and AJ's guitar is in the shape of the Aly & AJ heart logo featuring bright pink and purple zebra print (Wii, PS2). The duo launched the guitars on October 11, 2008, during event at Universal Studios CityWalk in California. The duo also had clothing, accessories, jewelry, and cosmetics lines. [64]

Personal lives

Stalking incidents

In June 2008, Rex Mettler, from Lancaster, Ohio, was arrested for stalking the duo. He "obtained contact information for the acting and singing duo and made threats online, by phone and handwritten notes" as stated by the police. The duo was scheduled to perform in Cincinnati on June 27, 2008, where the man was present, after which the police could not confirm that any of the threats involved the Ohio show. The police later stated that "the charge against Mettler stems from incidents that began December 15, 2007" and that "Rex displayed a pattern of activity over that time that reflected multiple attempts, if not numerous attempts, at stalking these females." [65]

In June 2010, Caesar Brantley was arrested on suspicion of stalking the duo near their home in a gated community in Calabasas, California, in violation of a restraining order that the duo had against the man. He pleaded not guilty. [66]

Religion

Along with making music for the mainstream audience, Aly & AJ, who are both very open about their faith, were significant in the Christian music rock scene. "Never Far Behind" was only released on Christian rock radio. It reached No. 1 on Radio & Records (R&R) Christian CHR. The duo does not wish to be labeled as Christian music artists.

In 2006, the duo said that they did not believe in evolution. [67] However, in a post on Twitter in March 2019, the duo affirmed that they do believe in evolution. [68] In 2013, Aly said that she supported school prayer, as long as it is voluntary. [69]

In May 2019, the duo said that their faith had gotten stronger but that they are never trying to push a certain agenda with their music. [70]

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Tours

Main

Supporting

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
2005 Radio Disney Music Awards Best Song You Can't Believe Your Parents Know the Words To"Do You Believe in Magic" [76] Won
Best TV Movie Song"Rush" [76] Won
Best Song to Listen to on the Way to School"Walking on Sunshine" [76] Won
2006 American Music Awards Contemporary Inspirational Artists of the Year Into the Rush Won
Radio Disney Music Awards Best Group Made of Brothers/SistersAly & AJ [76] Won
Best GroupNominated
Best Video That Rocks"Chemicals React"Nominated
Best Song to Listen to While Getting Ready for School"Rush"Nominated
2008 Time magazine awards10 Best Songs of 2007"Potential Breakup Song"9th place
2013Popdust AwardsBest Siblings in Pop [77] 78violetWon
2015Napa Film FestivalSpecial Jury Award (Acting in a Lounge Feature Film)Aly & AJ in Weepah Way for NowWon
2021 Trending: VMAs Best Comeback Song [78] "Potential Breakup Song"Won

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<i>Into the Rush</i> 2005 studio album by Aly & AJ

Into the Rush is the debut studio album by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, released by Disney-owned label Hollywood Records on August 16, 2005. The album features 14 tracks, including the singles "Rush" and "Do You Believe in Magic". A deluxe edition of the album was released in 2006 three all new songs, two new mixes of previous songs, and a bonus DVD. A vinyl reissue of the album was released in 2021.

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"Rush" is a pop rock song recorded by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ for their debut album Into the Rush. The track was released as their first official single nationwide by their label Hollywood Records, and as the album’s fifth single overall. It was first released to Radio Disney on October 14, 2005 to promote the Disney Channel Original Movie Twitches, but later grew to become extremely popular, which led to a mainstream release on February 28, 2006. It was later released for digital download on July 11, 2006 and on November 25, 2006 in Australia.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chemicals React</span> 2006 single by Aly & AJ

"Chemicals React" is a song written and recorded by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, for the deluxe edition reissue of their debut album Into the Rush (2005). The Michalka sisters co-wrote the song with Antonina Armato and Tim James of production duo Rock Mafia, who also produced the track. It was the second mainstream single from Into the Rush and seventh overall single, released to radio by Hollywood Records on June 27, 2006. "Chemicals React" served as the group's debut international release. A re-recorded version of the song was released on July 22, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aly & AJ discography</span>

The discography of Aly & AJ, an American pop rock duo, consists of five studio albums, one video album, two extended plays and compilation albums, 32 singles, 10 music videos and various album appearances. They released their debut studio album Into the Rush on August 17, 2005. The album debuted at number 36 in the United States, selling over 24,000 copies in its first week and was later certified Gold by the RIAA. Into the Rush earned them the "Contemporary Inspirational Artists of the Year" nomination at the 2006 American Music Awards. Into the Rush has sold 839,000 copies in the United States and 1,000,000 worldwide.

<i>Acoustic Hearts of Winter</i> 2006 studio album by Aly & AJ

Acoustic Hearts of Winter is a Christmas album and the second studio album by American pop duo Aly & AJ. The album was released on September 26, 2006 in the United States, via Hollywood Records. The album was conceived as a project after completing the deluxe edition of their debut album, Into the Rush (2005). All production of the album was done by Antonina Armato and Tim James. The majority of songs are cover versions of religious Christmas carols or contemporary classics. Two originals appear on the set, which were written by Aly & AJ with Armato and James. Musically, the album has an instrument-driven acoustic feel, primarily by guitar. It utilizes pop music influences on Christmas music. The album sold 110,000 copies in the United States.

<i>Insomniatic</i> 2007 studio album by Aly & AJ

Insomniatic is the third studio album by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, released on July 10, 2007 by Hollywood Records. The album features an electronic based sound, differing from their previous pop-rock and acoustic releases, that was accented with the use of synthesizers, sampling, drum programming and vocal processing effects. The lyrical content of the album is centered heavily around heartbreak, which some critics noted for its contrast to the electronic elements presented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like Whoa</span> 2008 single by Aly & AJ

"Like Whoa" is a song by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, written and recorded by the duo for their second studio album, Insomniatic. It is the second and final single from the album, released in 2008. The single release in the UK was cancelled for unknown reasons. It was their final single to be released before departing from Hollywood Records. A re-recorded version of the song was released on May 2, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hothouse (song)</span> 2013 single by 78violet

"Hothouse" is a song by American band 78violet. It is their first single release since their renaming from Aly & AJ in 2009 and only single released under the name before they returned to Aly & AJ in 2015. It was released on July 8, 2013. The song was written by sisters Aly and AJ Michalka, and Mike Einziger, while production was handled by David Kahne. The single was noted for showcasing a change in musical direction for the duo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potential Breakup Song</span> 2007 single by Aly & AJ

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Me (Aly & AJ song)</span> 2017 single by Aly & AJ

"Take Me" is a song recorded by American music duo Aly & AJ. It was released on August 18, 2017 as the lead single from the duo's debut EP Ten Years (2017). It serves as their first release since their name change from 78Violet to Aly & AJ, as well as their first release as Aly & AJ in ten years. The single was silently released on June 2, 2017, but was taken down quickly after. "Take Me" was penned by the duo, along with Jamie Sierota and Ryan Spraker.

<i>Ten Years</i> (EP) 0000 EP by Aly & AJ

Ten Years is the first extended play (EP) by American pop music duo Aly & AJ. It was released on November 17, 2017. Ten Years serves as their first release in ten years, following the release of their third studio album Insomniatic (2007), which reached number 15 on the Billboard 200. It is additionally their first release since their departure from Hollywood Records in 2010; the record was released on their own label, Aly & AJ Music, LLC.

<i>Sanctuary</i> (Aly & AJ EP) 2019 EP by Aly & AJ

Sanctuary is the second extended play (EP) by American pop music duo Aly & AJ. It was released on May 10, 2019, through the duo's independent label Aly & AJ Music LLC. The EP follows Aly & AJ's first EP, Ten Years (2017). A continuation of the 1980s-inspired sound found on Ten Years, Sanctuary is a synth-pop and electropop EP that discusses themes of love, mental health, and life. Sanctuary was positively received by music critics, who praised the EP's further exploration of 1980s synth-pop, while also praising the duo's musical growth.

<i>A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun</i> 2021 studio album by Aly & AJ

A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun is the fourth studio album by American duo Aly & AJ, released on May 7, 2021. The release marks their first studio album in 14 years, following Insomniatic in 2007. The album was produced by Yves Rothman, and each track holds writing credits from both Michalka sisters. Aly & AJ stated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not hinder their writing process, as they felt that they were "born to make" this album. They stated that while making the album, they were influenced by 1960s and 1970s music, and that it would differ from their two previous projects, Ten Years (2017) and Sanctuary (2019), which were influenced by 1980s music. The duo also wanted to capture the music of their home state California, and create a body of work that felt "timeless" to listeners. The result was a pop and pop rock record that draws musical influence from disco, soft rock, and country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Dancing (Aly & AJ song)</span> 2020 single by Aly & AJ

"Slow Dancing" is a song by American pop duo Aly & AJ from their fourth studio album, A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun (2021). Band members AJ and Aly Michalka co-wrote the song with Jeremiah Raisen, Ryan Spraker, and Yves Rothman, with Rothman also handling the production. It was originally envisioned as an up-tempo synth-pop song similar to Aly & AJ's 2017–2019 material, several years before the album was conceived. The duo re-wrote it as a romantic ballad upon revisiting the song while quarantining during COVID-19, updating the lyrics to reflect the impact of the pandemic at the behest of Rothman. Aly initially disliked the song but eventually grew to appreciate it. One of the last songs completed for the album, the song was originally scheduled for a January 2021 release, but Aly & AJ decided to release it a month earlier because they found the soft, calming nature suitable for winter.

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